Late-night chemist plan is now gaining support

PLANS to open a late-night pharmacy are to go ahead despite recent setbacks.

Doctors at Northwood Health Centre, in Acre Way, withdrew plans to open a 100-hour a week pharmacy in February amid strong opposition from residents’ groups and existing pharmacies. The centre has since gained hundreds of signatures in favour of the opening from patients and people living nearby.

Dr Christopher Stern said: “This is about what our patients want and they have been really positive about the idea.”

Some people have voiced concerns about the proposed service to give out methadone, the heroin substitute, but these are unfounded, according to Dr Stern.

“It’s probably less than one per cent of people who will be using the pharmacy for methadone and they will not bother anyone,” he said.

If a tenancy is granted, it is likely the plans will again be submitted to Hillingdon Council with the supporting petition.